Sample Coursework
SPAN 4000 : The Three Religions of Spanish Cuisine
In this paper, I perform a comprehensive analysis of the historical shifts in power among the three principal religions of Spain—Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The paper explores the various ways in which each religion influenced the current Mediterranean diet during its period of dominance, with each religion playing a major role. This assignment expanded my perspective on how religion and historical events can influence the present-day world that we live in. In the future, I will use this perspective to analyze the power of historical events and policies on current practices.
SPAN : Loreto Sesma in Contemporary Spanish Literature
This group paper explores the significant impact Loreto Sesma has had on contemporary Spanish literature and culture. As a prominent figure in Spain, Sesma stands out as a poet who uniquely blends music and social media to connect with her audience and supplement her poetry. Our analysis looks at how her personal experiences have shaped her writing and examines the deep resonance her work has with millions of Spaniards. Through this biographical study, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how contemporary literature is evolving to meet the needs of today’s readers, while still drawing on the legacies of past literary figures.
After completing the paper, my group and I presented our findings to our classmates and professor. This experience not only allowed us to share our research but also helped me improve my Spanish and public speaking skills.
SPAN 4000: Historical Overview of Gastronomy in Cataluña
In this oral presentation, I gave an overview of Catalonia's history and explored how its past has influenced the its world-famous cuisine. Of all the regions, Catalonia, home to Barcelona, has long been at the forefront of Spain's fights for independence. This was especially true during the Spanish Civil War under Franco's dictatorship. While fighting for autonomy, Catalonia also developed its unique culinary traditions, drawing on its geography, history, and cultural identity. This assignment gave me a greater understanding of how history, food, and culture are so closely connected, and how they shape each other in powerful ways.